Since publication of its research on why people incur maximum charges in June 2011 the number of people claiming has risen by 10%. However, the number of people incurring these charges has still continued to rise.

Sharon Grant, Chair of London TravelWatch said that “We are obviously pleased that 15,000 more people a month are getting the refunds that they are due - but it is still of great concern to us that 1 million plus journeys a year are still incurring these charges”.

In its response to the Mayors recent announcement on fares, London TravelWatch has insisted that the Mayor, TfL and train operators must do more to reduce the number of overcharging incidences. London TravelWatch believes that this should be a major priority, particularly as fares are due to go up by over 7% in January 2012.

It also welcomed the recent introduction of some automated refunds by TfL, and the comments by Howard Smith, Chief Operating Officer of TfL London Rail at a recent London TravelWatch meeting that they were considering upgrading ticket machines on the Croydon Tramlink, which was a recommendation of London TravelWatch research.

 It also welcomed the introduction of Oyster Top Up facilities and ticket vending machines at South West Train stations including Wimbledon, Richmond and Clapham Junction. This enables users to find out more easily what their balance is before travelling.

Sharon Grant urged that “clearly much more needs to be done by TfL and train companies, to make the Oyster system more user friendly, not least because with the fares increases on the way, passengers face losing even more money by incurring maximum fares. We are again urging passengers to stay vigilant in terms of how much they are being charged and to always touch in and out at stations to avoid overcharging. “

Editors notes

(1)  Letter to the Mayor of London from London TravelWatch http://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/news/2011/10/letter_to_boris_johnson

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